18 April 2022 04:24 am Views - 505
Calls for unity and justice at Gotagogama
A survivor lighting a candle
While the protest outside the Presidential Secretariat has been going on for over a week with the place being
“Came here to support everyone in this struggle”
This was a common sentiment heard from those who had come to partake in the festivities. Many had foregone observing rituals at their residences and instead had opted to observe it at the infamous ‘Gotagogama’ to show solidarity.
“Everyone is united here, despite whatever differences so there is no better place to celebrate it than here,” shared G. Harinath, who had come to the site with his parents. Sharing similar sentiments, Dhanushka Pinto stated that due to the current economic crisis, many would not be able to celebrate the new year in their residences. “That’s why many of us have come here, to extend our support to this movement as we are all facing the same issues.”
For many, new year is also a symbol of hope. The protest with Sri Lankans uniting as one, voicing out their demands as one was seen as a beacon of hope for a better Sri Lanka, according to Radhakrishnan, one of the participants of the new year.
“I had always celebrated new year with the people due to being a media personality, but this year’s new year is unforgettable. This new year at this place is not limited just to Sinhalese and Tamils but instead we are seeing Muslims and Burghers as well here, helping out and partaking in the festivities making this a Sri Lankan new year,” shared Thanuja Jayawardena, a media personality. Adding on, Hemal Ranasinghe, an actor, opined that he felt this was a historic moment that would further strengthen the unity among Sri Lankans and having been at the protest site almost daily, he felt it was his duty to be there during new year as well.
"This was a historic moment that would further strengthen the unity among Sri Lankans and having been at the protest site almost daily, Hemal Ranasinghe, an actor felt it was his duty to be there during new year as well"
P.A.P Madhushani contributed to the new year festivities by making kokis at the site. “I stayed for days at the gas queue to get a gas cylinder to make the kokis today but I wanted to contribute because I know not everyone is able to celebrate new year at home today and many will be coming over here. Also, I believe if we let things be as it is and not protest, we will face a bleak future.”
“As Sri Lankans, it is our tradition and habit to celebrate all festivities together but in the past few years it has been diluted for many reasons. But today, things have changed, and we are able to celebrate the new year as one. That’s why I am here today even though I am fasting. I also feel like I am doing my part in celebrating the festival by sharing sweetmeats here today,” shared Naseeha Amirdeen, who along with her family was distributing sweetmeats to those at the protest site.
Celebrations in queues
However, not everyone was able to partake in festivities. Randhi Malwattege, a resident of Pannipitiya had to spend her new year in fuel queues. “We left home at 10am and all fuel sheds in the vicinity were closed so we had to travel to Thimbirigasyaya but the queue was so long. Finally, we were able to get fuel at the Horton Place shed after spending two hours in the queue,” shared Malwattege.
Easter Sunday Attacks Remembrance
On April 17, on Easter Sunday, the Easter Sunday Attacks Remembrance was conducted close to the protest site. Protesters held up placards calling for justice. Rev. Fr. Nigel Dias shared that even though causing divisions was one of the motives of the attacks, people have united as one to seek justice for the victims and survivors of the attacks. Speaking at the Remembrance, Ven. Madampagama Assaji Thero shared that people wondered if the effects of ‘duttha dhamma vediniye karmaya’ is what is seen today.
“According to our teachings, a wrongful act that is done by someone boomerangs upon them someday. So, we wonder if that is what we are seeing today. What we ask from the government is to ensure justice to the victims and survivors of the attacks.”
Pastor Dishan de Silva opined that people only unite when there is an issue. “This should not be the case. Because of our divisions, it was possible for injustice to be meted out to us. If we are to stand up against injustice, we should be united at all times. We should accept our differences in beliefs, culture and thoughts and understand each other. Then only can we truly seek justice and ensure justice is served.” Moulavi Muad Naleemi shared similar thoughts and stated that in his faith, it was believed that the pain and laments of those who have been oppressed and those whom injustice have been meted out will affect the oppressors and those who enabled injustice.
While religious leaders called out for strengthening unity and called upon the government to ensure justice to those affected by the Easter Sunday Remembrance, survivors of the attack too had similar sentiments. “It’s been three years and we have only heard the previous government and the current government telling us that justice will be ensured. But where is that justice? In our birth certificate, it says we are Roman Catholic, should I go seek justice from Rome?” cried out a father whose daughter was injured by the bomb blast at St. Sebastian’s Church, Katuwapitiya.
"Many had foregone observing rituals at their residences and instead had opted to observe it at the infamous ‘Gotagogama’ to show solidarity."
Another survivor who lost seven of his relatives due to the bomb blasts was one of the first persons to enter the church as his residence was adjoining the church. Recalling the events of the fateful day, he shared that he only remembers pulling out people from the rubble and sending them to seek medical attention.
“There were many dead bodies lying around and also many injured people lying around, we tried to get medical attention to them as soon as possible. It was truly a horrific sight, I couldn’t even eat for many days after that.” He added that ever since the attacks, the Katuwapitiya church has a military presence. “Everytime we have to go in showing our identity cards. The army has been in the church since the attacks for security reasons, but I feel like once we receive justice, our church will be like what it used to be; a place where we can freely practice our faith without any worry.”
Religious leaders, survivors of the attacks and those present at the Remembrance also lit candles and lamps as a sign of remembering those who perished in the attacks.